CDC: Chloramines In Swimming Pool Water May Irritate Eyes, Skin

Pulmonary Medicine Blog By Dr Deepu

The ABC News (6/25, Mohney) website reports that people using swimming pools often “end up with red eyes or even skin irritation,” and the cause is “probably not the chlorine” used in pool water. The CDC “advises that what is especially irritating for swimmers is when chlorine mixes with body fluids including sweat or even urine.” The resulting “by-products, called chloramines, appear in the water or even in the air near a pool.” Swimmers who do not use goggles “should be careful to keep their eyes shut underwater.” Chloramines in the air may irritate people’s airways, too, posing a risk for people with asthma.